Now meet Joey, my African Gray parrot. Regardless of his scarily robust beak and eyes with pinpoint poise, he’s as comfortable as Larry. He loves nothing greater than a head rub and slightly dance. He lives in our lounge and is in his component when he’s hanging out along with his flock. That’s us. Normally flopped out on the couch after a busy day within the Commonplace newsroom (trustworthy, Ed). To him, we’re his household and he’ll do something to attach with us. Whether or not by a mimicked phrase (“All proper, geezer”), a cheeky wolf whistle as we cross his area, or the odd expletive if he doesn’t really feel he’s getting sufficient consideration (such a high-maintenance fowl).